DONAUW·RTH, May 13. /TASS/. The European helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters can start producing H135 helicopters in Russia in 2017, press service of the company told TASS on Friday. The company closed an agreement with the Russian helicopter making plant UWCA for manufacturing of helicopters of this model early in 2016.

"This kind of project takes time to implement and the planning is still being set up. The current target is to start production and operation in 2017," the press service said. The project requires UWCA to obtain certification from the Russian aviation authorities, the press service reported. "This creates a real potential for extending the scope of the local content (work or procurement) depending on the success of these helicopters and EMS services in Russia," it added.

The EU sanctions on Russia make no impact on this partnership, the company said. "There is no impact as this is a purely civil helicopter partnership and UWCA is not under sanction. Airbus Helicopters’ priority is to develop the EMS market in Russia that is aimed at saving lives," the press service said.

Beyond the H135, Airbus Helicopters is also interested in integrating some Russian manufacturers in its global supply chain. "Some discussions have just started," the corporate press service said.